“Anagram”—Young the Giant
Young the Giant’s new album came out last week, which is pretty cool, because it’s their first original piece of work like it since 2010. “Anagram,” the second song, is all about guitar plucks, with a faraway, almost tropical feel and some dramatic violin cascades. There are so many things going on… well, this song is essentially just a nice combination of sounds.

“I’m Not Part of Me”—Cloud Nothings
The new album won’t be out until April, but “I’m Not Part of Me” gives everyone an idea of what Cloud Nothings’ “Here and Nowhere Else” will be like. And, based off of this song, it’s going to be more relaxed, happier and less in your face than Cloud Nothings’ usual rock music.

“True Trans Soul Rebel”—Against Me!
Against Me! created their newest punky album, “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” after singer Laura Jane Grace (previously Tom Gabel) revealed her transgender identity. The catchy song’s fun rhythms conflict with some intensely personal lyrics like “You should’ve been a mother, you should’ve been a wife, you should’ve been gone from here years ago, you should be living a different life.”

“Worship You”—Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend’s newest album, “Modern Vampires of the City,” won the best alternative music album in the Grammy’s this past weekend. This song is fast, fun and great. So even if the Grammy’s don’t matter much, it’s cool to see Vampire Weekend win something this year. You go, Glen Coco.

“Honey, Honey”—The Milk Carton Kids
So, The Milk Carton Kids didn’t win the best folk album in the Grammy’s this year, but it’s worth saying their album, “The Ash & Clay,” definitely put up a good fight. The third song on this album, “Honey Honey,” bounces off fast lyrics to a fleeting banjo rhythm. It has all those reminiscent and heartfelt feels; a wooden-rocking-chair-and-straw-hat kind of tune.